Royals Sweep Orioles To Reach First World Series Since 1985

Eric Hosmer's first-inning ground ball produced two runs, and the Royals completed a four-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles with a 2-1 victory in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series in Kansas City on Wednesday afternoon. The Royals remained undefeated this post-season and advanced to their first World Series since 1985.

After Alex Escobar singled and Nori Aoki was hit by a pitch in the first inning, Hosmer hit a one-out ground ball to Baltimore first baseman Steve Pearce, whose throw home was mishandled by catcher Caleb Joseph allowing Escobar and Aoki to score.

Royals' starting pitcher Jason Vargas (1-0) and KC relievers Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland combined to hold the Orioles to four hits and one run. Orioles' third baseman Ryan Flaherty homered in the top of the third inning for Baltimore's only run of the game. The O's managed just two hits off Kansas City pitching for the rest of the contest.

Baltimore starter Miguel Gonzalez (0-1) took the loss despite allowing just one earned run over 5.2 innings pitched.

Royals' outfielder Lorenzo Cain won the 2014 ALCS Most Valuable Player award after going 8-for-15 with two doubles and five runs scored in the best-of-seven series. Cain and left fielder Alex Gordon made several incredible running catches in the series to prevent extra-base hits.

Kansas City will face the winner of the St. Louis-San Francisco National League Championship Series at home in Game 1 of the 2014 World Series on Tuesday. Oct. 21.